You’re exploring Pillar 3: Sanitization—the choice that has the biggest effect on what your regular water-care routine feels like.

Pillar 3: Sanitization—Your Biggest Ownership-Style Choice

Name: MinnSpas
Address: 14608 Felton Ct # 109, Apple Valley, MN, 55124, US
Telephone: (763) 200-7727
Price range: $$$

Every hot tub needs a sanitizer working in the water at all times — that part isn’t optional. What is your choice: how the sanitizer gets there. From a scoop after each soak to a cartridge that regulates itself, this decision shapes what owning your spa feels like more than anything else.

Three paths — pick your ownership style

Chlorine paths — FROG @ease with SmartChlor: a self-regulating cartridge that holds a low, steady chlorine level automatically — up to 75% less chlorine than traditional dosing, with cartridge swaps every few weeks. Or traditional chlorine granules: simple and inexpensive — scoop some in after every use, and a quick test confirms you’re set. Available on Artesian Elite, Island, and South Seas spas.
Bromine paths — steadier levels and a lighter smell many people prefer; traditional bromine or the FROG Serene cartridge system.
Salt systems — the spa makes its own sanitizer from salt: sodium bromide systems (like Blu-Fusion) generate bromine; sodium chloride systems (like Hot Spring’s FreshWater) generate chlorine. Automatic delivery — never sanitizer-free water. See our honest Blu-Fusion vs. FreshWater comparison →

Two things no system changes: your spa always needs a measurable sanitizer level — even with ozone, UV, or AOP — and clear, nice-smelling water doesn’t prove the water is sanitary. A 10-second test strip does.

The straight talk on salt

Artesian doesn’t build salt systems into their spas — when the five pillars are working, most owners find they don’t need one. But if you want a salt water hot tub, we don’t argue. MinnSpas installs the Blu-Fusion bromine salt system into your new spa for $1,495, with a 3-year warranty. (Not for Softub — its manufacturer prohibits salt systems.)

Skip trichlor tablets. They’re made for pools, not hot tubs — highly acidic, hard on equipment and surfaces, and using them can void your spa’s warranty. If a floater full of tablets came with your used tub, bring it in and we’ll set you up right.

Already own a hot tub and need help with your current water?

Bring a sample to MinnSpas for free 8-parameter water testing and personalized water-care guidance →

Softub owner or shopper? Your care path is different → Just bought a house with a hot tub? Identify its system first →

Do salt water hot tubs still use chlorine or bromine?

Yes. A salt system is a delivery method, not a different kind of clean: it generates chlorine (from sodium chloride) or bromine (from sodium bromide) right in the plumbing. The win is steady, automatic delivery — not chemical-free water.

What’s the lowest-maintenance hot tub sanitizer?

Depends on how you’ll use the tub. Self-regulating cartridges (FROG @ease) suit people who want the least daily thought. Salt systems suit steady, frequent soakers. Traditional granules suit people who don’t mind a scoop after each soak in exchange for simplicity and low cost. There’s no wrong answer — just a wrong match.

Can I switch hot tub sanitizer systems later?

Often, yes — many spas can move between chlorine, bromine, and even salt with the right prep. Some combinations have limits, so ask us before switching and we’ll check your spa’s compatibility and warranty terms.

Your sanitizer provides the always-on protection. Now discover how oxidation helps clean up what bathers leave behind.

Continue to Pillar 4: Oxidation →

Done exploring sanitizer options and ready to find the system that fits your ownership style? Let’s build your custom spa setup plan.

Questions? Call or text (763) 200-7727.